A Perfect Match(not)

Cllr Ian Clement, the Leader of Bexley Council, has joined directors of Welling United FC and Erith & Belvedere FC in signing a new fifty-year lease on their stadium at Park View Road, Welling.

The agreement was marked by a special ceremony on the pitch before Welling United's home match on Saturday - coincidentally, the 10th anniversary of the fire that destroyed the former headquarters of Erith & Belvedere FC at Park View, Belvedere.

"I am delighted we have been able to agree this new fifty-year lease, which gives the clubs the security they need to plan for the future," said Cllr Clement. "I hope this will be the start of a closer relationship between the Council and both clubs and I look forward to working with them in the future on a range of projects."

After the ceremony, Cllr Clement and his colleagues Cllr Sharon Massey and Cllr Don Massey watched Welling beat second-placed Bath City in their Blue Square South League match, which the Wings deservedly won thanks to a fine 89th minute header from Tony Sinclair.

Barrie Hobbins, Club Secretary of Welling United says: "We are grateful to everybody at Bexley Council for their co-operation and delighted that football in the borough will contine at Park View Road for many years to come."

It is quite ironic really," said John McFadden of Erith & Belvedere after the signing. "Exactly 10 years after the fire at Park View, when we wondered if the club would still be around at the end of 1997, here we are ensuring that the club will be at Park View Road at least until 2057!"

"We can look forward now, knowing that our new 'home' is secure for the long term future."